"We must coordinate thoroughly and then make adjustments and improve policies on various issues, including on the targets of stunting rate and poverty reduction," Coordinating Minister for PMK Muhadjir Effendy noted in a statement.
He pointed to data constraint posing an obstacle to the government in its endeavor to lowering poverty and stunting rates.
The government will immediately update data related to social assistance recipients, so that all programs implemented by the government can be on target.
In accordance with Presidential Regulation No. 39 of 2019, the government, through Bappenas and the Ministry of Social Affairs, will expedite the creation of the One Indonesia Data Program that will serve as a reference for all policy makers in implementing poverty eradication programs.
Such data is expected to facilitate implementation of the stunting rate and poverty eradication programs to be right on target and ensure that the results are measurable.
At the meeting, the vice president expounded that the government had prepared an array of policy frameworks to alleviate poverty in a more targeted manner, specifically through efforts to lower the spending burden of the poor and to boost their income.
Efforts to reduce the burden of expenditure comprise improvement and expansion of social assistance programs, such as the distribution of village funds, the family of hope program (PKH), food assistance programs (rice and non-cash food assistance), smart Indonesia programs (PIP), and Indonesian smart college programs (PIP-K).
The government will also encourage ways to improve social security through a healthy Indonesia program or national health insurance (JKN) as well as reform energy subsidy policies, including electricity and LPG subsidies.
In the meantime, efforts to increase income of the poor are made through empowering micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), developing the local economy, and expanding access to jobs with the long-term goal of encouraging inclusive economic growth and maintaining price stability.
Ma'ruf Amin has tasked Effendy along with the related ministries to continually monitor the progress achieved in the realization of poverty and stunting eradication targets. Related news: Ma'ruf Amin chairs meeting on stunting, poverty eradication efforts
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Translator: Fardah Assegaf
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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